Chef Pop de Pop
6 & older | Gamewright | gamewright.com | $16.99
This multi-sensory game of counting is fun with the popcorn theme. Kids can shake the shaker to make the “popping” sound as the dice rattle around. Count the popcorn to see if you match up to a card. Stack the most cards to win! It’s easy, and no reading is required. Great for reinforcing math skills. For two to six players.
In My Room Lightshow DJ
6 & older | Uncle Milton | unclemilton.com | $29.99
With more than 20 light and color combinations, kids can dance to a colorful light show when the lights are out. A sensor allows the light to bump to the beat of the sound. The Lightshow DJ comes with two lenses to direct the light in different ways. Position it near a speaker and hit the lights for a disco-like scene in your room!
The Lord of the Rings: The Complete Trilogy Adventure Board Game Deluxe Edition
8 to adult | Pressman | pressmantoy.com | $29.99
The family can dive into the epic journey of The Lord of the Rings, joining the quest to save Middle Earth. One player is the evil Sauron, controlling his forces; other players are members of The Fellowship solving riddles and battling the evil army. For two to 10 players.
Mindstorms EV3
10 & older | Lego | lego.com | $349.99
Build, program and command five different robots. Technologically advanced enough to satisfy remote control lovers, the “brain” of Mindstorms is a “Brick” with a processor, Wi-Fi port and Internet connectivity. Building instructions are included of course, and remember, kids (native to today’s technology) will not be as challenged as YOU when it comes to putting it altogether.
That’s Gross Science Lab
8 & older | Smart Lab Toys | smartlabtoys.com | $24.99
Kids will become engrossed in science with 26 different and disgustingly fun projects. The kit comes with a motorized toilet bowl mixer along with containers and molds. Instructions are easy and projects require common kitchen items like vinegar, baking soda, food coloring, etc. Concoct stink bubbles, fake barf and more.
Slackers Slackline Classic Series Kit
6 & older | Brand 44 Colorado | slackersline.com | $79.99
Backyard adventures are yours with this 50-foot slackline that includes the webbing, teaching line and ratchet so you can attach them to two trees in your backyard, three feet above the ground. Kids can try and perfect balance while building core strength. After just a few minutes of set-up time, you’re the coolest family on the block.
Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Don’t Scramble The Egg Game
8 & older | Pressman | pressmantoy.com | $18.95
This game gets you tossing an egg that can “splat” at any moment (it makes a splat sound). Flip a card, name an item that fits the category and then toss the egg to the next person. When the egg “splats” on you, you’re out!
Fairy Doll Making Kit
6 & older | 4M | 4m-ind.com | $12.99
Girls will love using their creative skills and making a fairy doll of their very own. The kit includes the doll body and everything you need for hair, clothes, details and more. You can follow along with the instructions or come up with your own design.
Nerf Rebelle Heartbreaker Bow
8 & older | Hasbro | hasbro.com | $19.99
Girls can take aim and have fun adventures with this stylish bow that comes with five foam arrow darts. Simply load a dart and pull back the string and let ‘er rip! With exact precision, the darts will fly up to 75 feet. A lot of fun awaits.
The Ugglys
6 & older | Moose | mooseworld.com.au | $29.99
Little guys are bound to be relentless with this ugly pug puppet that makes gross noises — belching and passing gas. The longevity of each noise depends on how your child manipulates the dog’s mouth: open the mouth to burp, clamp down to toot. Change the pitch by turning a knob on the pup’s collar. Funniest toy of the year!
Barbie Dreamhouse
6 & older | Mattel | mattel.com | $189
Barbie continues to be a classic brand for little girls, and now she has a fanciful new, pink-tastic home! It comes with a working doorbell and elevator to take her to the second and third floors. The house features a kitchen, bedroom, a balcony and even a pet bed for Barbie’s puppy. Dolls sold separately.
Talkabout 2-Way Radios
6 & older | Motorola | motorolasolutions.com/talkabout | $29.99
These compact walkie talkies are just the right size for smaller hands. Kids will love hiding around and trying to locate one another using the 2-way radios. They feature a 16-mile range and 22 channels. Available in blue or pink.